Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Bambu Lab P1S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 ($159, RESIN) and Bambu Lab P1S ($449, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The Bambu Lab P1S takes the crown with 9/10 vs 7.4/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Print Quality, Speed, Reliability. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 saves you $290 and wins on Value.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | Bambu Lab P1S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Print Speed | 100 mm/s | 500 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg | 14.13 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.4/10 | 9/10 |
Pros & Cons
Anycubic Photon Mono 4
+$159 is the lowest you'll pay for 10K resolution resin printing
+Compact enough to fit on a shelf with the build plate folded
+10K resolution prints minis that genuinely impress non-printers
−134x75mm build plate: barely fits more than two minis at once
−USB-only workflow, no WiFi at any price point in this tier
−Slow: 100mm/hr means longer overnight print sessions
Bambu Lab P1S
+HEPA filter actually handles ABS fumes, not just PLA smell
+CoreXY at 500mm/s inside an enclosed chamber
+Reliability track record is as good as anything at this price
+AMS multi-material works without the constant jams you get on cheaper systems
−$449 without AMS, which adds another $100-150 on top
−Enclosure lid has to come off to reach prints mid-job
−P1P owners considering an upgrade: this is it, but it stings
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for budget
- 10K mono LCD
- Laser-cut build plate
- USB
Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you want:
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for abs
- A great printer for enclosed
- Enclosed
- Multi-material (AMS)
- WiFi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 better than the Bambu Lab P1S?
By the numbers, the Bambu Lab P1S scores higher (9/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Anycubic Photon Mono 4 or Bambu Lab P1S?
The Bambu Lab P1S is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Bambu Lab P1S worth $290 more than the Anycubic Photon Mono 4?
The Bambu Lab P1S scores higher overall (9/10 vs 7.4/10). The extra $290 gets you hepa filter actually handles abs fumes, not just pla smell.
What's the main difference between Anycubic Photon Mono 4 and Bambu Lab P1S?
Technology: the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is RESIN (filament) and the Bambu Lab P1S is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.